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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Matej Kovar lastly made his Bundesliga debut throughout Bayer Leverkusen’s goalless draw towards Borussia Monchengladbach.
Leverkusen, who’re hoping to beat Bayern Munich to the title, dropped two factors however stay on the summit of the Bundesliga standings with 49 factors, two away from Thomas Tuchel’s males in second place.
Regardless of having a lot of the possession, Leverkusen couldn’t make their management rely as Monchengladbach ensured the spoils have been shared.
The shock inclusion in Xabi Alonso’s beginning XI was Kovar, who had beforehand by no means performed within the Bundesliga earlier than.
Kovar left United in the summertime for a nominal payment of £7.78million, a lot to the frustration of most followers who had excessive hopes for him.
He spent final season out on mortgage at Sparta Prague, the place he impressed as he helped the aspect win the Czech First League title.
Throughout United’s pre-season tour, Kovar got here on for the second half of the Crimson Devils’ opening pre-season pleasant towards Leeds United in Oslo and in addition performed the total 90 minutes of the 1-0 defeat of Lyon in Edinburgh.
In each video games, the 23-year-old impressed, particularly together with his kicking and distribution of the ball. It was a shock when he wasn’t named within the squad for the tour of the USA.
Nonetheless, the participant has had no downside adapting to life in Germany. Earlier than Saturday, he made seven appearances throughout each the DFB Pokal and the Europa League. He had conceded simply 5 objectives and saved three clear sheets.
Kovar’s exploits earned him his first style of minutes within the Bundesliga and he definitely lived as much as his billing.
Towards Monchengladbach, Kovar made three saves, two of which have been from inside his personal field.
The shot-stopper made one excessive declare. He registered a complete of 21 touches.
Kovar tried 11 passes. He delivered all of them efficiently, managing a 100% move accuracy.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
He spoke to Leverkusen membership media after the ultimate whistle and gave his verdict on the match. Kovar stated, “We had so many probabilities, we deserved a aim. It was simply a kind of days the place no person might rating. However we’ll carry on our path!”
💬 Matej #Kovar : “We had so many probabilities, we deserved a aim. It was simply a kind of days the place no person might rating. However we’ll carry on our path!” ⚫️🔴#B04BMG | #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/CrvTrWNmti
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 27, 2024
He definitely confirmed United followers what he might have provided at Previous Trafford if given a correct likelihood to earn a spot in Erik ten Hag’s set-up.
